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Daily Newswire
Laid Off by AI? What’s Really Driving the Latest Job Cuts
Companies are firing workers and saying AI made them do it. But new research from MIT and Oxford reveals the truth: 95 percent of companies investing in AI are getting zero return, yet they’re still using artificial intelligence as a convenient excuse for layoffs. This matters for anyone worried about job security in today’s market,
Employment Falls by 92,000 as Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.4 Percent
Employment fell by 92,000 in February as the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The number of unemployed people, at 7.6 million, changed little in February. Employment in healthcare decreased, reflecting strike activity. Employment in information and federal government continued to trend down. “That jobs weakness coupled
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
Noto Group Expands Global Consumer Practice
Portland, OR-headquartered executive search firm Noto Group has expanded with the additions of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as senior partners in its global consumer practice. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, managing partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding
millionways Brings a New Behavioral Intelligence Lever to Executive Recruiters
Hunt Scanlon Ventures this week completed its investment in millionways, a New York-headquartered company that builds a behavioral intelligence layer of AI for human agent workforces, utilizing a proprietary Large Psychology Model called Thorsten-4. The platform focuses on understanding human signals, motives, and behavior patterns, with applications used across AI governance, executive hiring, talent management,
AI Governance Jobs Platform Builds Early Momentum Through Privacy-First Model
AI-Governance-Jobs.com, operated by GRC Careers LLC and led by founder and CEO F. Jay Hall, has built its model combining specialized career content, organic search visibility, and privacy-focused architecture. The company’s latest executive summary reports 134,499 organic impressions over a recent 28-day period, achieved roughly three months after launch — without advertising. As demand grows
Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher
CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover
Pacific International Launches Leadership Coaching and Onboarding Service
London-headquartered executive search firm Pacific International Executive Search has launched its new leadership coaching & onboarding service. This will support senior leaders through the highest-stakes moments of their careers. “The first months in a new leadership role, a step-change in scope, the pressures of C-suite leadership – these are just a few examples where an experienced coach can turn potential into value faster
Leveraging AI to Drive Business Development in Executive Search
AI is beginning to reshape how executive search firms approach business development, moving the process beyond traditional account lists and periodic outreach toward more continuous market intelligence. By helping recruiters identify meaningful changes across companies, leadership teams, and professional networks, AI is creating new opportunities to engage clients with greater relevance and better timing. The
Korn Ferry Retained by Convergence for CEO Search
Korn Ferry has been retained by Convergence to lead in its search for a new CEO. Joan Larrea will retire as CEO in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. Since inception, Ms. Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on
St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources
Boyden Seeking CEO for Creative BC
Boyden has been retained by Creative BC in Vancouver, British Columbia to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to an organization that sits at the center of British Columbia’s creative economy. The CEO will lead the execution of Creative BC’s mandate
How AlixPartners and Endava Are Redefining Transformation
AlixPartners and Endava have announced a global strategic partnership that will combine operational consulting expertise with next-generation technology delivery. The alliance positions the two firms to tackle complex transformation challenges across industries like private equity, financial services, energy, and telecom, where clients increasingly demand faster, integrated solutions. “Digital innovation, AI and automation are the biggest disruptive
Search Veteran Leslie W. Stern Dies
Leslie W. Stern, a retired managing director of Diversified Search, died on Aug. 29. “Les Stern represented the best of the best in our executive search industry and as a human being who had the whole package – great husband and father, man of integrity and the highest character, a gentleman, trusted friend and man
Employers Using Social Media More and More to Screen Candidates
Your social media posts might win over or cost you friends, but according to a recent CareerBuilder survey, they could also have a big impact on prospective employers. Seventy percent of employers use social networking sites to research job candidates (on par with last year), while seven percent plan to start. And that matters, because
Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks New CFO for XPO Logistics
Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected to find a new chief financial officer for Greenwich, CT-based XPO Logistics. CFO John Hardig recently stepped down to spend more time with his family, the company said. Sarah Glickman, senior vice president, corporate finance, assumes the role of acting chief financial officer. Mr. Hardig will remain available to
NPAworldwide Adds Eight New Member Firms
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has added eight new member locations across Australia, Malaysia, Thailand
The Rise of Counteroffers in Executive Search
The last thing any company official wants to hear is that one of their key executive leaders is resigning in favor of a better career opportunity. If the company is unprepared, making a counteroffer might seem like the only way to keep that executive and the best way to address the woes of a highly
The Katris Group Fills Board Seat for Interface
The Katris Group, an executive recruitment firm with offices in Sarasota, FL and Chicago, has placed Catherine M. Kilbane as a member of the board of directors at Nasdaq-traded Interface Inc., a global commercial flooring company and worldwide leader in sustainability. “Cathy brings a sophisticated view on acquisitions and integration. We will also benefit from
InveniasPartners Adds New Partner
InveniasPartners, a Chicago-based healthcare executive search and talent advisory services firm, has announced that Joseph E. Fournier is joining the firm as a partner. “We are delighted to welcome Joe to our team of consultants,” said Curt Lucas, managing partner and chairman of InveniasPartners. “Our firm is focused strictly on healthcare – it is a
To Expand the Pool of Diverse Candidates, Companies Must Rethink Risk
We are long past the point in which companies must be reminded about the importance of diversity within their senior ranks. The pendulum, in fact, has now swung the other way: Search firms are continually asked by clients to bring them diversity candidates — and, often, only diversity candidates. For recruiters, it is gratifying that
Diversified Search Lands Provost for John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Executive search firm Diversified Search has placed former California State University executive Yi Li as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. The nationwide search was led by Andrew Wheeler, managing director and practice leader of the firm’s education and non-profit practice, and senior
McCormick Group Finds CEO for the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Following a national search, the McCormick Group, an Arlington, VA-based executive recruitment firm, has placed Julie Coons as the new president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Jim Corcoran, who led the organization since 2010, recently stepped down from the role. The McCormick Group’s senior vice president Lyles Carr, managing principal Elizabeth
Texting Seen as Trendy Way to Keep In Touch with Candidates
Executive search consultants will tell you that developing and maintaining a positive and professional relationship with candidates is one of the main factors that contribute to their mutual success. Clear, concise and timely communication is key to developing that relationship. But what about texting? A new report by WinterWyman Executive Search’s Meghan McFee concludes that texting
R. William Funk & Associates Selected to Find President for Weber State University
As the new academic year gets underway, a number of universities across the country are looking to install new leaders. R.William Funk & Associates, which specializes in recruitment for roles in higher education, was recently tapped by the Utah System of Higher Education to find a new president for Weber State University. Charles K. Wight stepped
Charles Aris Promotes Four Team Members
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Inc. announced promotions for Jill Jitima, Ashlee Wagner, T.J. Deal and Joe Caporaso. Jill Jitima Ms. Jitima moves from the firm’s strategy & corporate development practice leader to vice president. In her new role, Ms.
How to Develop Candidate-Centric Recruiting Strategies
The recruiting world is changing. Candidates expect to engage where they live – on their mobile devices and through whatever channel they’re currently engaged with, from video to chat platforms to social media networks. But it’s not just about the channel; it’s about the approach. Candidates expect fast, personalized, one-on-one communication that mirrors authentic conversation.
Aspen Leadership Group Seeks Major Gifts Officer for Ithaca College
For non-profit organizations, major gift officers are among the most vital of roles. The position involves identifying potential donors, cultivating relationships and, above all, garnering much-needed contributions from key supporters. Recruitment firms that can find the right person for this top-level fundraising position are much-valued partners of not-for-profit everywhere. And for recruiters, the business of
Kittleman & Associates Seeks Leaders for Two Key Denver Non-Profits
Chicago-based executive search firm Kittleman & Associates has been selected to find new leaders for two consequential Denver non-profits, Conservation Colorado and Food Bank of the Rockies. Raylene Decatur, a principal with the recruitment firm, is spearheading both searches. Conservation Colorado, an environmental group, is seeking an executive director. The organization wants a leader who is passionate about
Demand Soars for Interim Executives to Help Side Step Talent Gaps
Strong demand for “solutions-savvy” interim executives and managers being hired within as little as 48 hours – and deployed to manage change and disruption – is the key trend in the interim sector according to the latest annual Watermark Interim Executive Survey. In the past 12 months, demand has spiked for interim leaders who can
Global Healthcare Services Lands CEO for Weatherford Rehab Hospital
Following a national search, Rocky River, OH-headquartered executive search firm Global Healthcare Services (GHS) has recruited Robert Ward as the new CEO of Weatherford Rehabilitation Hospital. Senior recruiter Tom Cavalli led the assignment. Weatherford Rehabilitation Hospital, based in Weatherford, TX, specializes in the care of complex medical and rehabilitative patients who have suffered a stroke, spinal cord injury,
Storbeck/Pimentel Seeks Provost for Colorado School of Mines
Executive search firms continue to reap the benefits of an active education sector, which many academic recruiters report has never been busier. Even smaller recruiting outfits have multiple assignments running concurrently, all at the senior levels. If any slowdown is coming, it most likely will be found at the talent identification stage. With so much
Three Keys to Successfully Integrating Senior Hires
Finding and successfully integrating the right talent is critical to success – but it’s no easy task. And losing a recent hire can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in time lost, damaged client relationships, misdirected personnel resources, recruiting costs and potential revenue. Inadequate preparation, pressure on a hire to gain traction quickly, slowed collaboration
Hardman Batchelor International Lands Executives for National Instruments Corp.
Austin, TX-based executive search firm Hardman Batchelor International has recently made two key placements for National Instruments Corp., a $1.29 billion developer and manufacturer of software and hardware products for scientists and engineers. Jim Ramsey is the company’s new vice president of Americas sales. And Paul Horton becomes vice president of global sales operations. The
Kingsley Gate Continues Global Expansion
Executive search firm Kingsley Gate Partners continues its recent expansion with the addition of Magui Castro as senior partner. She will be based in the firm’s London office. Ms. Castro has a deep background in retained executive search, specializing in recruiting C-level executives across the consumer, retail and life sciences sectors. Prior to her career in search,
How to Meet the Talent Challenges of a Changing Digital Landscape
Every day we see examples of how the media, technology and digital industries are changing the way we live and work. Whether it is cloud storage for our photos, playlists for our music, friends who are “cutting the cord,” or retail chains going out of business, the world is changing rapidly. The implications for recruiting
Witt/Kieffer Promotes 14 Search Consultants
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the executive ladder within their respective firms. Witt/Kieffer recently announced 14 promotions across its expanding search practices. “This year has brought continued expansion for the firm, so that we may serve clients better in our markets in the U.S. and abroad,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO of Witt/Kieffer. “We are
Osprey Capital Acquires BoardProspects.com
Venture capital and private equity firm Osprey Capital has acquired Quincy, MA-based BoardProspects.com, an online boardroom community that provides individual and corporate-based members with corporate governance news, education and board recruitment solutions. “We are excited to have BoardProspects join the Osprey family,” said David Hoffmann, founder and chairman of Osprey Capital. Mr. Hoffmann is the founder
10 Reasons to Consider External Candidates
More companies have been looking outside for new leaders, an indication that hiring an outsider has become more of an intentional leadership choice than a necessity. Outsiders accounted for 22 percent of all CEOs brought in via a planned succession between 2012 and 2017, up from 14 percent in the 2005 to 2007 period, according
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking CEO for the Museum of the American Revolution
Boutique executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been chosen to find the next president and chief executive officer for Philadelphia’s newest museum, the Museum of the American Revolution. Mark J. Tarnacki and Adelaide K. Jones are leading the search. The museum’s previous leader, Michael C. Quinn, stepped down last March after six years of steering the
RSR Partners Names Head of Sports and Entertainment Leadership Practice
Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners has promoted Dany B. Berghoff to managing director. Mr. Berghoff, who took over as head of the firm’s global sport and entertainment leadership practice from Joe Bailey in May, will focus on working with clients across the sports, media and entertainment industries. He is also a member of the firm’s hospitality and leisure practice. Mr. Berghoff has
How to Best Balance Work and Summer Holiday Time
Nearly two-thirds of professionals (63 percent) say they have cut short vacations because of occupational demands and pressure to perform at work, according to a new Korn Ferry survey. The study also found that nearly three quarters (73 percent) said they would prefer a higher salary over more vacation days. According to the survey, staying in
City of Pasadena Taps Teri Black & Company for Police Chief
The public sector is in the midst of major transformation. It faces an array of challenges that range from shifting public expectations to budgetary pressures and a growing demand for operational efficiency. To successfully navigate these issues, government organizations need leaders who are focused, tenacious and adaptable, with the capacity to deal with significant scale,
Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Venture Capital Recruiting Practice Leader
Executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles International has named San Francisco-based partner Scott Atkinson to lead its venture capital practice. He succeeds Rebecca Foreman Janjic, who earlier this year was appointed the global practice managing partner for the firm’s global technology and services practice. “Heidrick & Struggles has a rich and deep history working with venture







